Washington Won – Obama Failed

Over the last two years, the discontent against Obama has grown. On Nov. 4, those who have never wanted the president in office—the conservative white minority over the age of 50—voted. They did not like having an African-American as a leader, and have shown their discontent since 2008. Now, they have reversed things.

The campaign of opposition and destruction against the president worked. Despite the economic situation— better than that in other regions of the world — Americans wanted more. Despite success on various other issues, white people never accepted him. Republicans won by far in going out to vote. Neither Hispanics, nor African-Americans, nor Asians could stop them. The youth that supported Obama were missing. Those young people who did vote, including women, including, did so for him. They were not enough.

Again, the political system in the United States showed its inconsistencies. Since the beginning, it was designed to include checks and balances. The goal was for congressmen to check the president and vice versa, and it was intended that they compete on different issues. They intended to favor, in this way, the citizen’s interest. This was always inefficient, and today, much more so. Since 2012, Washington has been immobilized. Congress experienced a great inability to legislate. Inefficiencies caused enormous mistrust and discontent among the population. Within institutions, it came to an “everybody against everybody” war: Republicans against Democrats; conservatives against liberals. Nobody could remain independent. The objective was to get rid of the president. The result was a United States map painted red, and on all levels, representatives, senators and governors, Obama lost.

Election results had not yet been published when the majority leaders began working on their agendas. John Boehner, in the House of Representatives, and Mitch McConnell, in the Senate, were setting priorities. They want to show that the government works. They are seeking to win the presidency in 2016. They propose changes in favor of the Keystone XL pipeline from Alberta, Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. They want to reverse the president’s health policy. They agree on trade issues, especially with Asia in favor of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and with Europe. Now, they are likely to finalize agreements. They are in the process of approving the budget and changing fiscal policy. Immigration is not their priority.

The game starts now. What remains for Obama to do is what he has not been able to until now: show leadership that favors agreement, and with this, leave a legacy that he lost in the midterm elections. He can make executive decisions or reconcile his interests with the proposed ones. Neither the U.S. nor the world gains anything from immobility. Democrats, for their part, need to rebuild themselves and make positive decisions again if they want to retain the presidency. Undoubtedly, the midterm elections are very different from the presidential race, and Obama has two years to rethink his strategy. The country’s discontent must be addressed by favorable results on all issues, especially immigration reform. Hispanics will be a determining factor in the next election, but they cannot continue to receive empty promises. It will be necessary to take advantage of the disparity among Republicans. The most conservative ones who are also part of the famous Tea Party do not agree with the liberals. The relationship will be difficult between them. It is there that Democrats can join together. It is there that Obama could get back on track. The high expectations that he raised in 2008 may have been damaged their most in 2014. Obama must not simply disappear. He has a difficult task ahead of him, but it is time to resume work despite the enormous adversity he faces.

Agreement among Americans is essential to Mexico. Our economy and stability depend on America’s improvements. That is why we must negotiate with both Republicans and Democrats. The parties’ inability to achieve results due to immobility affects us directly. We need a strong U.S. regardless of parties and people.